NOMATEN and BlueScope Limited cooperation on FIB-SEM sample preparation and characterization of materials in practice

NOMATEN Centre of Excellence and BlueScope Steel Limited, Australia, have established the cooperation in the field of scientific research of which the aim is the exchange of knowledge and experience in  FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy) sample preparation and characterization of materials in practice.

BlueScope Steel Limited (BSL) is at the cutting edge of materials technology for applications in prepainted and metal coated steel products in Australia with operations spread across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and throughout Asia. A fundamental aim of BSL is to provide the customers with safe, durable and sustainable products, the development of which is heavily reliant on the ability to interrogate process outcomes and product performance to the highest possible level of detail. Therefore, delivery of BSL’s innovation roadmap requires usage of cutting-edge equipment such as FIB-SEM to investigate improvements in materials performance and why collaborations with institutions such as NCBJ is of great importance.

In May and June 2022, Dr. Monika Wyszomirska, a Materials Evaluation Specialist from BSL, was visiting the NOMATEN CoE at NCBJ for two weeks in total. Dr. Wyszomirska together with the members of Materials Characterization Group led by Dr. Iwona Jóźwik, spent time on advanced FIB-TEM preparation of various types of samples, discussion of technical aspect related to specific preparation needs and exchanging ideas and sharing their experience related to experimental approaches in individual cases. The visit was very fruitful for both sides, with a view for future collaboration.